Dutch Broadway School fifth graders got a spark of excitement as they powered lightbulbs during a hands-on science lab. Working collaboratively with a partner, students designed, tested and refined electric circuits during a “Light it Up” lab experiment on April 11.

They constructed a simple closed circuit, consisting of a battery, wires and three identical lightbulbs. Using a model of this circuit, the students explained where the energy conversions occurred. As a class, they discussed light, heat, electrical and chemical energies, and how energy can be converted from one form to another.

Following the simple closed circuit, the fifth graders were challenged to develop, construct and test a new circuit in which one of the bulbs was brighter than the other two. They applied scientific ideas about energy transfer to explain why this can occur.

This lab encouraged troubleshooting, teamwork and effective communication. It is one of four state-mandated labs for fifth grade students.

Click here to view the Dutch Broadway School Fifth Graders Learn About Circuits in Hands-On Lab slideshow.

Date Added: 4/24/2025

As part of the annual PARP (Pick a Reading Partner) initiative, the Dutch Broadway School’s gymnasium transformed into a fun, engaging game show for the “Masked Teacher” event on March 12. This event was one of many held throughout PARP to promote reading.

Ten teachers donned costumes to disguise their identities to read short passages and poetry aloud to the scholars in grades K-2. After listening to the read aloud, the students guessed which teacher was behind each mask based on their voice and reading style. The teachers shared poems by Shel Silverstein and humorous riddles.

“This interactive event encouraged students to actively listen, engage with different forms of literature and foster a sense of excitement around reading,” Principal Cynthia Qasim said. “It also strengthened the connection between students and teachers in a creative and enjoyable way.”

Each year, Dutch Broadway School’s PTA collaborates with administration and staff to host PARP. The program encourages parents, guardians and teachers to read with children to foster a love of reading at a young age. Students track the number of minutes they read each day during a three-week period to earn prizes provided by the PTA.

Date Added: 3/28/2025